News & Events

Ian Maron-Kolitch '07 walks off the stage to applause after being named the 1819 Award winner at Memorial Chapel. (Photo by Luke Connolly '09)

Ian Maron-Kolitch ’07 won the 1819 Award at Tuesday’s awards convocation, earning praise from peers, professors, and President Rebecca S. Chopp for his strength of character and his commitment to making a difference on campus.

The award is the most selective and prestigious the university gives to a graduating senior, and Maron-Kolitch was among dozens of students and several faculty members honored during the year-end ceremony.

Maron-Kolitch will graduate May 20 with degrees in sociology and anthropology and in Latin American studies. He earned numerous academic awards, including twice being named a Charles A. Dana Scholar, being named a George Cobb Fellow, and becoming a member of Phi Eta Sigma and other honor societies.

In addition to his academic success, it was the Bronx native’s leadership and numerous contributions to campus life that were cited again and again during Tuesday’s ceremony.

Maron-Kolitch was described in the nominating process as a “vibrant, caring, intelligent person who commits himself to making a difference.”

That commitment manifested itself through a range of organizations Maron-Kolitch was active in during his four years on campus. A member of the Student Government Association, he played a key role in the Budget Allocations Committee, a group charged with allocating funds to student organizations.

He worked as an intern for the Office of Admission and as a residential adviser for the Office of Residential Life. He was a member of the Community Council, the Rainbow Alliance, and a co-chair of Advocates. An active member of the Colgate Jewish Union and a Hebrew tutor, he also was a member of the Konosioni Honor Society and a volunteer with Pet Pals.

Maron-Kolitch said he was humbled by the praise and thrilled with winning the award.

“It’s absolutely amazing to be in the same room with so many incredible students and professors and to be recognized this way,” he said after the ceremony.

After graduation, Maron-Kolitch will be teaching bilingual elementary education in New York City as part of the Teach for America program.

“Everyone in this nation deserves a chance to learn, and there is a real need for great teachers. Hopefully, I can be one, and I can help solve the achievement gap.”

Maron-Kolitch was among the many students recognized Tuesday for achievement, from those winning Fulbright scholarships and the Dean’s Community Service Awards to departmental awards.

Professors and coaches were honored, as well.

The Phi Eta Sigma Professor-of-the-Year Award, which is selected by students, was given to professor of geology and presidential scholar Constance Soja.

The AAUP Professor-of-the-Year Award went to Ellen Kraly, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of geography and director of the Upstate Institute.

The Sidney J. and Florence Felten French Prize for Inspirational Teaching went to Anthony Aveni, Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor of astronomy and anthropology and Native American studies, and the Alumni Corporation Distinguished Teaching Award was given to John Knecht, Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor of art and art history and film and media studies, and Marilyn Thie, director of the Division of University Studies and professor of philosophy and religion and women's studies

Men’s lacrosse coach Jim Nagle received the Howard Hartman Coach-of-the-Year Award.